Heavy Machine Operator
Salary

Median pay for Heavy Machine Operators in the United States lies in the neighborhood of $15.47 per hour. Residence and career duration each impact pay for this group, with the former having the largest influence. Among survey respondents, men are more common than women; 86 percent of Heavy Machine Operators are male. For the most part, people in this position report moderate levels of job satisfaction. Health benefits are not claimed by all — slightly less than a third lack any form of coverage — but the greater part have medical insurance, and the larger part have dental, too. This snapshot results from replies to PayScale's salary survey.

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

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Job Description for Heavy Machine Operator

Heavy machine operators are responsible for operating heavy machinery in a safe and efficient way. They are responsible for ensuring that their machines are cleaned and maintained, and they must report any issues to their supervisors. They also must make sure that they follow all policies and regulations set in place by their employer.

Heavy machine operators must have knowledge of truck and equipment safety, how to operate various vehicles and machines, and how to store and care for them; they also need to understand road construction and maintenance procedures. They should be able to solve problems and make quick decisions if needed, as well as be flexible and able to change their schedule when needed. Heavy machine operators must know how to communicate effectively with others as well. These operators generally work outdoors and are normally employed by construction companies. They work as part of a crew that they work closely with on jobs, and they report any instances or emergencies to their supervisor. They may also meet or communicate with clients to explain procedures or report any incidents as well.

Education requirements vary among employers; however, a heavy equipment operators journeyman certificate is generally needed. Most employers prefer a high school diploma or equivalent as well. Some employers offer basic training programs and apprenticeships for those interested. Heavy machine operators usually work during regular business hours, and they may hold full-time or part-time positions. Overtime may be required depending on the client and when the job needs to be completed. (Copyright 2017 PayScale.com)

Common Career Paths for Heavy Machine Operator

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Heavy Machine Operators' salaries may rise greatly for those who assume a higher-end position such as a Production Supervisor. The average Production Supervisor brings home $51K per year.

Heavy Machine Operator Job Listings

Pay by Experience Level for Heavy Machine Operator

Pay by Experience for a Heavy Machine Operator has a positive trend. An entry-level Heavy Machine Operator with less than 5 years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $34,000 based on 269 salaries provided by anonymous users. Average total compensation includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay. A Heavy Machine Operator with mid-career experience which includes employees with 5 to 10 years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $41,000 based on 156 salaries. An experienced Heavy Machine Operator which includes employees with 10 to 20 years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $42,000 based on 109 salaries. A Heavy Machine Operator with late-career experience which includes employees with greater than 20 years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $47,000 based on 39 salaries.

Heavy Machine Operator Reviews

Q: What is it like working as a Heavy Machine Operator?

Heavy Machine Operator in Wausau:

"I love my job just dont like how much im getting paid."

Pros: The environment, the people, the gratification of my finished product.

Cons: The pay.

Heavy Machine Operator in San Antonio:

"High level of enjoyment."

Pros: Working alone, every day is different.

Cons: Stressful, long driving hours, traffic.

Heavy Machine Operator in Alvarado:

"Like it."

Pros: Testing towers and welding.

Cons: Lead man don't have respect.

Heavy Machine Operator in Eastville:

"Not bad. Its all the other things that come with it."

Pros: When the boss leaves us alone and when I'm off.

Cons: Not being paid overtime. A lot of times we work from Sun up to Sun down and everyday of the week when the beans are needing to be picked. Picking at night it terrible. The boss makes out like a bandit and we make out broke and tired.